Did you come across an interesting job opportunity, but your studies are still ongoing? Or perhaps you want to earn some income while studying? Whatever your reason for seeking part-time work during your studies, combining these two aspects is not always easy.
We have gathered 6 tips to help you balance work and studies so that you can make the most of both without neglecting your well-being.
1. Prioritize and Plan
Use a calendar and schedule your time. Your calendar can be a physical paper calendar, a phone application, or even an Excel file on your computer. The style doesn’t matter but try to mark out as accurately as possible when you will dedicate time to studying and when to work. Create a plan that you can realistically implement.
While working, it’s easy for your appetite to grow. However, make sure to reserve time for rest and leisure activities such as exercise, spending time with friends, and relaxing at home. Also, don’t compromise on your sleep due to work or studies, as both can suffer quickly from lack of sleep.
2. Break Bigger Tasks into Smaller Parts
School assignments can sometimes be time-consuming and involve big projects. Since finding long stretches of free time for schoolwork can be difficult while working, break down the larger projects into smaller parts and schedule them in your calendar. Set specific deadlines. You can try the same approach with work; does the nature of your job allow you to work in shorter intervals, saving time for school assignments?
Don’t forget the importance of hobbies and leisure time. If you feel you don’t have time for an hour-long jog, take several 10-minute walks during the day or do quick workouts at home.
3. Use Your Time Efficiently
When you finally have time for studying, make the most of it. Eliminate all the unnecessary distractions from your environment. Do you focus better in silence or do you prefer background music? Optimize your surroundings for better concentration and set a specific duration for studying. You can also try different concentration techniques, like the Pomodoro method.
Remember to take breaks from time to time. Our brains can’t focus effectively for very long periods, so take regular breaks. While the first impulse might be to open an app on your phone during a break, it could be better for your concentration to spend the break outside or simply staring at a wall. This way, your brain can get the much-needed rest from information overload.
4. Communicate
Inform both your employer and your educational institution about your schedule and life situation. Employers often understand if you have busier periods in your studies during certain weeks. Your teachers may also provide extensions for certain school assignments if you explain your hectic life situation. Be open and don’t isolate yourself if the pressure of your schedule becomes unbearable.
5. Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students or colleagues. Family members and friends can also be an excellent support system if you need assistance during busy times. In tough situations, you can also take advantage of mentoring services or seek a tutor to help with your studies. Employers and educational institutions are also happy to provide additional information on support resources that you can utilize during work or studies.
6. Prioritize Well-being
Nothing is more critical than your well-being; it forms the foundation for everything you do. If your health or mood starts to decline, it will affect both your work and studies. Therefore, make sure not to exhaust yourself by juggling studies and work. If needed, lighten your schedule and take a breather. After a break, reassess your calendar with fresh eyes and plan it in a way that supports your well-being.
If you find yourself in a situation where your health is deteriorating, but for some reason, you can’t adjust your schedule, seek support. Most employers offer occupational health services that can help with urgent issues. Communication with loved ones, workplace, and educational institution can also help clarify the situation. Often, the situation is not as complicated as it may seem in your head. There is always the possibility of getting help and relief.
If these tips inspire you to consider part-time work alongside your studies, you can always head to Tuudo’s Career paths section to explore job opportunities. The jobs available on Tuudo are always suitable for students.